10/01/2023
When we are lifted up and standing in that spiritual high place with Jesus don’t we want to stay there forever? When we are feeling the electric thrill of faith coursing through us and every hair on our body has risen as if in unison to the breeze of God's breath, don’t we want to remain in that euphoric state always? Well of course the answer is yes, but that is not what we are meant to do. God has more for us to do.
“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,”
Mark 9:2 ESV
I once worked for a very large conglomerate, and two times a year the upper management of each company owned by this corporation came together in exotic places around the country to discuss topics of concern, interest, and the success we had achieved. We would take turns speaking to the gathering and although hearing these things was important, the main reason for these meetings was to encourage one another. This is why Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the high mountain with Him. He didn't want to teach them about transfiguration... He wanted to fire them up and prepare them for what was ahead, and then send them back into the ordinary world to do those things (His will). Oswald Chambers wrote about such experiences in our lives. Listen to what he says…
"We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the Mount." - Oswald Chambers
When I attended the corporate meetings in those beautiful places with my peers, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed those times and the company of those people, and I would love to have stayed there and discussed what-ifs and theorized about the problems we faced back home, but once rejuvenated I needed to go back to Nashville Tennessee and address those issues my company was facing with the enthusiasm of having been to the mountain. The idea of staying elevated on that corporate mountain top thrilled me, but by going home I impacted the lives of thousands of people who worked there, and made them better.
Going home allowed me to reclaim my position as a leader in my company, and to put the things we had discussed into action. By doing this I could help us provide the products and services we offered to millions of people in America and around the world. Here is one example; without my company's success there would have been no Space Shuttle and the inspiration which that product brought to the world. Staying in meetings with my peers would have been a selfish act, and would have benefited me alone. Going home helped us change the world.
Being on the mountaintop with Jesus and standing with Elijah, and Moses before God, tempts us to remain there forever; just as it tempted Peter. After watching the transfiguration of Jesus he was tempted to stay there and relive that moment forever…
“And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."”
Mark 9:4-5 ESV
But our purpose isn't to remain on the high places forever and to build dwellings there, no, we are meant to carry the news of the transformation we have witnessed, and the growth we have undergone from our own experience, back to those who are yet to stand on the mountain as we have. Our stream of purified water needs to flow down into the river of life and make it more than it was before. Our pure water, which has been made free from the contaminants of the world, is meant to dilute and make clear the muddy waters of the world below. God wants the souls of those who already believe, but He also wants those of every other person on earth as well. Towards this end we are sent back into the world. For this reason we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we teach the Word of God. The mountaintop is the beginning of something more… the will of God for all men.
“And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."”
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
Jesus is with us when we stand upon the mountain, and scripture allows us to watch as He is transfigured there. But, witnessing His transfiguration is meant to change us too. Then together we come back down into the valleys and the vile places of the world to save those who remain lost there. He is right alongside us as we reach out to the fallen and lift them up. Oswald Chambers was right, we are not built for the mountains, but for the valleys. Are we ready to leave our high places and obey the will of God?
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for those times you lift me up to the mountain where you stand, and I thank you for the thrill, rejuvenation, and change, that those times bring to my life, but I thank you more for sending me back to do your will in the valley. I thank you for the privilege of serving those who are fallen, downtrodden, and need to hear the gospel of Jesus, and your Holy Word. Thank you for using me, and keeping your hand on me always. Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ who is with me always... even as He said He would be. On your high maintain I am purified, but in the valley I clear the muddy waters of mankind. In the valley I wash the dirt and filth of sin from those who are blinded by it, and in the valley I help return sight to the blind through your good Word and the gospel of Jesus. As I toil to do your will each day I become exhausted Father, but you lift me from time to time and show me glimpses from your glorious perspective, and those moments encourage and replenish me. I praise you for each of those times, I praise you in my prayer closet, and before men so that they can see your might, and receive a blessing as you grace us with your presence. Holy are you Father, and at your feet, and in your will, I desire to remain throughout my life, and for all eternity.
Rich Forbes